Kayaking & Trekking Adventures in Siquijor

Beyond motorcycles and tour vans, Siquijor offers rewarding adventures on water and foot. Whether paddling along pristine coastlines or trekking through forested mountains, these human-powered activities connect you with the island at a slower, more intimate pace.

Kayaking in Siquijor

Overview

Siquijor’s calm waters (during dry season), protected coves, and scenic coastline make it ideal for kayaking. While infrastructure isn’t as developed as in major water sports destinations, opportunities exist for those willing to seek them out.

Where to Kayak

San Juan Coastline

The most accessible kayaking area. Calm, protected waters with beach launches.

What to Expect:

• Flat water conditions (usually)
• View resorts and beaches from water
• Snorkel break possibilities
• Morning calmest

Routes:

• Tubod Beach to Paliton Beach (1-2 hours)
• Short paddles along resort frontage
• Explore rocky coastline

Lazi Coastline

Less developed but equally scenic. Launch from beach areas and explore the southeastern shore.

Features:

• Rocky outcrops
• Small coves
• Less boat traffic
• More isolated experience

Mangrove Areas

Some areas around the island feature mangrove forests accessible by kayak.

Experience:

• Quiet paddling through mangroves
• Bird watching
• Ecological education
• Usually guided tours

Kayak Rental Information

Where to Find Kayaks:

• Coco Grove Beach Resort
• Select beach resorts in San Juan
• Some tour operators
• Ask accommodations for recommendations

Rental Rates:

Type	Hourly	Half Day
Single kayak	PHP 300-400	PHP 800-1,000
Tandem kayak	PHP 400-500	PHP 1,000-1,500

Kayaking Tips

Safety:

• Wear a life jacket (usually provided)
• Stay close to shore if inexperienced
• Inform someone of your plans
• Carry water and sun protection
• Watch weather conditions

Best Conditions:

• Morning (calmest water)
• Dry season (November-May)
• Avoid strong wind days
• Check for boat traffic

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Trekking in Siquijor

Overview

Siquijor’s trails range from easy waterfall access paths to more challenging mountain routes. While not a premier trekking destination, the island offers satisfying hikes for those who seek them.

Major Trekking Areas

Mt. Bandilaan Trails

Available Routes:

Viewpoint Trail (Easy)

• Distance: 0.5km from parking
• Duration: 15-20 minutes
• Features: Paved path, panoramic views
• Suitable for: Everyone

Station of the Cross (Moderate)

• Distance: 1-2km ascending
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Features: 14 stations, forest path
• Suitable for: Moderate fitness

Forest Trails (Moderate-Challenging)

• Distance: Varies (2-5km options)
• Duration: 1-3 hours
• Features: Native forest, wildlife
• Suitable for: Experienced hikers
• Note: Guide recommended

Summit Attempt

• Distance: Variable depending on route
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Features: Highest point (557m)
• Suitable for: Fit hikers
• Note: Guide required

Waterfall Treks

Most waterfalls require short hikes from the road.

Cambugahay Falls

• Distance: 200m from parking
• Duration: 5-10 minutes descent (stairs)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Note: Steep stairs on return

Lagaan Falls

• Distance: 500m-1km
• Duration: 15-20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Note: Some rough terrain

Lugnason Falls (Zodiac Falls)

• Distance: 1-2km
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Note: Longer hike, less visited

Hidden Falls (Various)

• Distance: Varies
• Duration: 30 min - 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
• Note: Local guide essential

Coastal Walks

While not trekking per se, walking sections of the coastal road offers pleasant exercise with ocean views.

Suggested Routes:

• Paliton Beach to Solangon Beach (2-3km)
• Sandugan to Larena town (3-4km)
• Any beach-to-beach section along the coastal road

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Trekking Practicalities

What to Bring

Essential:

• Sturdy footwear (hiking shoes or good sneakers)
• 2L water (more for longer hikes)
• Sunscreen and hat
• Insect repellent
• Light rain layer
• Snacks

Recommended:

• Hiking poles (for steep sections)
• First aid basics
• Charged phone with offline maps
• Camera

When to Trek

Best Times:

• Early morning (5:30-9:00 AM) — Cooler, clearer views
• Late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) — Cooler, golden light
• Dry season (November-May) — Better trail conditions

Avoid:

• Midday heat (11 AM - 3 PM)
• Heavy rain (trails get slippery)
• Monsoon season for mountain trails

Safety Considerations

• Tell someone your plans
• Carry emergency contact numbers
• Don’t hike alone in remote areas
• Respect wildlife
• Stay on trails
• Start early, finish before dark

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Combined Adventures

Paddle & Trek Day

Combine water and land for a full adventure day.

Sample Itinerary:

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Sunrise kayak session (1.5 hours)
7:30 AM	Beach breakfast
9:00 AM	Drive to Mt. Bandilaan
9:30 AM	Trek to viewpoint and forest trails (2 hours)
11:30 AM	Drive to Cambugahay Falls
12:00 PM	Waterfall swim and trek to upper tiers
1:30 PM	Lunch in Lazi
3:00 PM	Return and rest

Cost: PHP 1,500-2,500 (including rentals, fees, transport)

Waterfall Hopping Trek

Visit multiple waterfalls in one day on foot and wheels.

Route:

1. Cambugahay Falls (main attraction)
2. Lagaan Falls (moderate hike)
3. Lugnason Falls (longer trek)

Duration: Full day Difficulty: Moderate (cumulative hiking)

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Budget Breakdown

Kayaking

Item	Cost
Kayak rental (2 hours)	PHP 500-800
Guided tour (half day)	PHP 1,500-2,500
Equipment (included)	-

Trekking

Item	Cost
Mt. Bandilaan entrance	PHP 20-50
Guide (half day)	PHP 500-1,000
Waterfall entrances	PHP 30-50 each
Transport to trailheads	PHP 200-400

Full Adventure Day

Item	Cost
Kayak rental	PHP 500
Mt. Bandilaan	PHP 50 + guide PHP 500
Waterfall fees	PHP 100
Transport	PHP 400
Food	PHP 400
Total	~PHP 1,950

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For Different Fitness Levels

Easy Adventures

• Kayaking in calm San Juan waters
• Viewpoint trail at Mt. Bandilaan
• Cambugahay Falls stairs
• Coastal beach walks

Moderate Adventures

• Longer kayak routes (2-3 hours)
• Station of the Cross trail
• Lagaan Falls trek
• Multiple waterfall day

Challenging Adventures

• Extended kayak expeditions
• Mt. Bandilaan summit attempt
• Hidden waterfall treks
• Full paddle + trek combination

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Eco-Adventure Practices

Siquijor’s natural beauty depends on responsible adventure:

On Water:

• No littering (carry trash out)
• Avoid disturbing marine life
• Stay away from nesting areas
• Respect fishing zones

On Land:

• Stay on trails
• Don’t pick plants or flowers
• Carry out all trash
• Respect private property
• Support local guides

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Final Thoughts

Kayaking and trekking in Siquijor won’t match adventure hotspots like Palawan or the Cordilleras. But that’s part of the charm. These activities here are intimate, uncrowded, and connected to the island’s natural rhythms.

Paddle past empty beaches at sunrise. Trek through forests where the only sounds are birds and your own breathing. Reach a waterfall after an honest hike rather than a quick drive.

The infrastructure is simple. The trails aren’t always marked. The kayak fleet is modest. But what Siquijor lacks in polish, it makes up for in authenticity. These adventures feel earned—and the memories, personal.

Bring your sense of exploration. The island rewards those who move through it slowly, on their own power, open to wherever the path or current leads.